n. Syst.
Vegetab. p. 697._

MONSONIA grandiflora. _Burm. prodr. 23._

[Illustration: No 73]

The genus of which this charming plant is the most distinguished
species, has been named in honour of _Lady Anne Monson_. The whole
family are natives of the Cape, and in their habit and fructification
bear great affinity to the Geranium. The present species was introduced
into this country in 1774, by Mr. MASSON.

We received this elegant plant just as it was coming into flower, from
Mr. COLVILL, Nurseryman, King's-Road, Chelsea, who was so
obliging as to inform me that he had succeeded best in propagating it by
planting cuttings of the root in pots of mould, and plunging them in a
tan-pit, watering them as occasion may require; in due time buds appear
on the tops of the cuttings left out of the ground.

It rarely or never ripens its seed with us.

Should be treated as a hardy greenhouse plant; may be sheltered even
under a frame, in the winter.

[74]

ANTIRRHINUM TRISTE. MELANCHOLY OR BLACK-FLOWER'D TOAD-FLAX.

_Class and Order._

DIDYNAMIA ANGIOPSPERMIA.

_Generic Character._

_Cal._ 5-phyllus. _Cor._ basis deorsum prominens, nectarifera. _Caps._
2. locularis.

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

ANTIRRHINUM _triste_ foliis linearibus sparsis inferioribus oppositis
nectariis subulatis, floribus sub-sessilibus. _Lin. Syst. Vegetab.
p. 555._

LINARIA tristis hispanica. _Dill. Elth. 201. t. 164. f. 199._

[Illustration: No 74]

Receives its name of _triste_ from the sombre appearance of its flowers;
but this must be understood when placed at some little distance, for, on
a near view, the principal colour of the blossoms is a fine rich brown,
inclined to purple.

Is a native of Spain, and of course a greenhouse plant with us, but it
must not be too tenderly treated, as it loses much of its beauty when
drawn up, it should therefore be kept out of doors when the season will
admit, as it only requires shelter from severe frost, and that a common
hot-bed frame will in general sufficiently afford it.

It flowers during most of the summer months; as it rarely or never
ripens its seeds with us, the usual mode of propagating it, is by
cuttings, which strike readily enough in the common way.

MILLER relates that it was first introduced into this country
by Sir CHARLES WAGER, from Gibraltar seeds.

[75]

POTENTILLA GRANDIFLORA. LARGE-FLOWER'D POTENTILLA.

_Class and Order